13 Dec 2015

Meatworkers claim bullying at AFFCO plants

7:04 pm on 13 December 2015

Meat workers at the heart of a long-running legal dispute met in Taupo today to discuss what they say are deteriorating conditions at AFFCO plants.

Affco workers made the journey from Wairoa to Auckland for the hearing.

Workers remain unhappy with their treatment by AFFCO. Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

Last month, the Employment Court ruled the company acted in bad faith and undermined the union during contract talks.

The Meat Workers Union said since then, workers on contracts have been bullied by supervisors and treated unfairly compared to non-union members.

Meat Workers Union campaign director Darien Fenton said 170 workers currently locked out in Wairoa are only being offered night shifts.

Council of Trade Unions president Richard Wagstaff said today's meeting reinvigorated union members, who were determined to keep their self-respect.

AFFCO said the union's claims were baseless.